Feeding the hungry has been at the heart of our community service since the formation of our Community Meals Program in 1983. Pre-Covid, each Saturday, a team of both member and non-member volunteers has worked to prepare noon meals for approximately 150 people on a six-week rotational basis.

Today, hot meals are served for those in need in the church’s Fellowship Hall every Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. Volunteers work to prepare and serve the food from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.. We also cook hot meals every Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until Noon that are then distributed at other locations. We encourage new volunteers to join us.

Our congregational ethos is deeply rooted in such acts of service, which continue to this day including feeding the hungry, homeless, senior citizens, children, and disadvantaged of our neighborhood. Volunteers are needed to greet guests, cook and serve the food, along with our social services partner’s volunteers from the Chicago Help Initiative. Substitutes are needed to fill in on a one-time, short-term or long-term basis.

When available, a volunteer team of doctors conducts free medical exams, consultations and provide minor treatments as needed, including foot care.

We accept donations of gently used clothes of all types and for all ages, as well as small household items. All donations are directly distributed to those in need in the area via partner volunteer organizations. The “Free Store” is available for those in need of clothes and shoes on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at the Church of the Ascension at the corner of LaSalle Drive and Elm Street. Donations of new, white socks and gently used men’s shoes for foot patients are always welcome. 

For more information, please contact the church office.